Things to do in Sorgono
Things to do in Sorgono, the centre of Sardinia: San Mauro sanctuary, Biru 'e Concas menhirs, Trenino Verde and Mandrolisai wine.
We are gathering the first experiences for this area. Check back soon, or tell us about an operator you know.
Sorgono is the historic main town of the Mandrolisai, at about 700 metres on the western side of the Gennargentu, right in Sardinia's geographical heart: a menhir in a cork-oak grove near the village marks the exact centre of the island. It's the terminus of the Trenino Verde and holds two captivating places, the sanctuary of San Mauro and the Biru 'e Concas menhir park. Come here for archaeology, red wine and old-style religious festivals.
What to see in Sorgono
Sanctuary of San Mauro
A late Gothic-Aragonese country church, reworked in the 17th century, whose façade features one of the largest rose windows in Sardinia. Around it stand the muristenes, pilgrims' cottages that fill up during the festival. During the plague of 1652–1656 it served as a lazaretto.
Biru 'e Concas archaeological park
One of the island's most important menhir sites: about 200 standing stones dating from 3200 to 1800 BC, in an area enclosed by a wall that may have marked a sacred space.
Village and country churches
The parish church of Santa Maria Assunta dates from the 16th century. In the countryside are San Giacomo, at the old village of Spasulè, and Nostra Signora d'Itria, at about 1,000 metres, rebuilt in 1910.
Nuraghi and tombs
The area has many nuraghi, giants' tombs such as Cungiau 'e Tore and Funtana Morta, and domus de janas such as Pardu 'e Cresia.
Things to do in Sorgono
Arrive or leave on the Trenino Verde along the historic line to Mandas, walk through woods of holm oak, downy oak and chestnut, visit Mandrolisai wineries and discover the many springs in the area. For guided visits to the menhirs, hikes and tastings, see the experiences local operators offer below.
History
The area is rich in prehistoric and Nuragic remains, while the present village is medieval. Sorgono was the seat of the Mandrolisai district in the Judicate of Arborea; after 1478 it passed to the Aragonese. In 1711 it joined the Valentino family's county of San Martino and in 1839 it was freed from feudal rule. With the railway, opened in 1888, and its hospital and offices, it has remained the area's service hub.
What to eat and buy
The typical dish is sa minestra de lampazzu, a dock-leaf soup with tangy fresh cheese, fregula and onion. Take home Mandrolisai wine, a red from cannonau, monica and bovale grapes, and local shepherds' cheeses.
Festivals and traditions
- San Mauro, celebrated three times: 15 January, the Tuesday after Easter and above all in the last week of May, with the big festival at the sanctuary.
- Sa Innenna, in autumn, a feast of wine and local dishes within Autunno in Barbagia.
Festivals come alive with traditional dances such as su ballu sardu, sa dantza and is tres passos.
Nearby
- Atzara, village of wine and painting.
- Tiana and its fulling mill for orbace wool cloth.
- Teti and the Nuragic village of S'Urbale.
- Meana Sardo and the Nolza nuraghe.
Getting there and when to go
It's about two hours by car from Cagliari-Elmas airport and about an hour from Nuoro or Oristano. In summer you can also arrive by Trenino Verde from Mandas. Late May is ideal for the San Mauro festival; spring and autumn are perfect for menhirs and woods.
FAQ
How long do I need for Sorgono?
One day covers San Mauro, Biru 'e Concas and the village.
Is Sorgono really the centre of Sardinia?
Yes, the island's geographical centre is marked by a menhir in a cork-oak grove near the village.
Is Sorgono good for families?
Yes: kids love the little train ride and the menhirs.
